Adam said: “After our trip to London, Lisa seemed to have a spring in her step, saying she was ready to take on radiotherapy.

“She loved being a part of the Willow 10K and raising funds for the charity that she said helped to put the smile back on our family’s faces.”

This year, Adam and the boys will again take part along with friends from the Dunstable Road Runners and Stopsley Striders.

Charlie Wright's Willow Special Day

• Family affair – Charlotte Wright, 45, from Upminster

Seven years after a diagnosis of lymphoma (a type of blood cancer) including a year of gruelling treatment, Charlie Wright from Upminster, is back to full health and taking part in her third Willow 10K.

A chance to see their favourite band, Take That, with her husband and three children gave Charlie something positive to focus on during a really tough time of her life.

She said: “For the year I was battling cancer, my three beautiful children had little to smile about.

“On my Willow Special Day I watched my family singing and dancing, smiles the width of their faces, I felt such happiness and relief.

“When you’re a mum with cancer and you watch your children struggling with the effects of this disease, you feel such guilt for what you’re putting them through.

“Our Special Day was more for them.

“For their courage and bravery and to celebrate the life we have together.

“I can never repay Willow as our night was priceless, but I’m doing all I can by taking part in another Willow 10K event.

“There’s such a lovely atmosphere, my husband and daughter and family friends are also running this year.

“We really feel a part of the ‘Willow family’, having volunteered at many of their events.

“I’d encourage anyone to give it go, it’s a great first event to try – you’ll get cheered along the whole way!”

This year’s Willow 10K, sponsored by Wrights, promises to be a special event. Every runner will be timed and will receive a medal and anniversary T-shirt.

Every penny raised in sponsorship will help Willow to continue working with seriously ill 16 to 40 year olds to fulfil uplifting and unforgettable Special Days.

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